Shippensburg University President Charles Patterson announced the passing of Robert Lesman on Friday, Sept. 26.
Robert Lesman, Ph.D., served as a professor and chair of the Global Languages and Cultures department. Lesman began teaching at Shippensburg University in 2006 and was promoted to professor of Spanish in 2023.
Over his lengthy career, Lesman’s research brought Cuban culture and media to greater public spotlight. His book “Translating Cuba: Literature, Music, Film, Politics,” published by Routledge in 2021, joins his numerous articles, talks and media appearances that showed his dedication to his field.
In the classroom, Lesman was a staple of Spanish education at Shippensburg University. He instructed students on the Spanish language, Latin American culture and Latin American literature.
“Dr. Lesman led with care in the classroom and the department,” President Patterson said in an email that announced his passing. “His teaching and mentorship were recognized with campus awards, including the Teaching Innovations in Pedagogy and Scholarship Award and the Academic Mentorship Award from Athletics.”
President Patterson encouraged students, faculty and members of the community to come together to mourn his loss and find comfort together.
Service arrangements are being prepared by his family and will be shared by Shippensburg University when they are made available.
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